The capital city of Scotland combines the old and new in a heady mix of modern versus medieval which works incredibly well. It is a very historic city and blends its contemporary-ness seamlessly with its history. A, once volcanic, crag dominates the city with castle perched on top, while the streets are mix of ultra modern buildings merged with the predominantly Victorian architecture.

Getting to Edinburgh is fairly simple as the city's international airport is situated just outside the centre. However if travelling from Europe it may well be easier to fly to London and get the train up to Edinburgh. The train from London to Edinburgh takes only an hour more than the plane does. Edinburgh provides a fairly good bus service for getting around the city and to and from the airport, however driving in the city is not recommended due to the amount of one-way systems. Unfortunately the city does not have its own rail network.

Must see attractions for women include Edinburgh Castle, which features a gun salute, at Mills Mount Battery on weekdays, St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in the city, and the Scottish United Services Museum. For a feast of architectural culture visit the Royal Mile one of the most fascinating streets in the world. Try the Holyrood Park 263 hectares of hills, lochs and fields on the city's doorstep, perfect for women to take a relaxing walk.

As far as shopping is concerned Edinburgh offers women a fantastic range of traditional boutiques and department stores along with the new. Grassmarket and the famously tiered Victoria Street are packed with arts and crafts shops and specialist food stores. Royal Mile is littered with off beat and souvenir shops. On Princes Street can be found Scotland's most famous shop, Jenner's. New shopping centres can be found at Cameron Toll Centre and Waverly Shopping Centre.

Edinburgh has a vast range of places to eat from general pub food to top end exquisite dining. The old town offers a range of very good restaurants from budget eateries such as Bar Italia and Café Odile to the top end ultra fashionable Atrium. There are plenty more varied restaurants in the other districts too so you will be spoilt for choice!

Although Edinburgh conserves a mild middle class image; when the sun goes down it shows a wilder party scene due to its thriving nightlife. The city has over 700 extremely varied pubs and bars including Victorian palaces, traditional real-ale pubs and trendy wine bars where women can let their hair down. The club scene is hot too with some great clubs including La Belle Angelle, The Venue and The Honeycomb. There is plenty of other entertainment with many theatres, cinemas and orchestras regularly performing.

Edinburgh offers many fantastic hotels in and around the city centre, ranging from budget hostels to extravagant five star hotels.

Try visiting Edinburgh in August in time for the world famous Edinburgh International Festival for arts and the Fringe festival its avant-garde spin off.